Roaming Scholars: Exploring the Intersection of Travel, Education, and Conservation

Travel, education, and conservation are three things that I am passionate about. When I find these three together, it is always a great experience. During a recent trip to Alaska, I found the harmony of these three at the “Fortress of the Bear” in Sitka, Alaska.

Sitka Brown Bear

Fortress of the Bear is dedicated to the education, rehabilitation, and care of orphaned bears in the Alaska area.  I was shocked to learn that Alaska, like other states, has laws that require orphaned bears to be euthanized. This is where Fortress of the Bears step in. They take in cubs whose mothers have died and provide them an opportunity to grow, mature, and educate people.

The Sitka brown bear is a special brown bear only found on the ABC islands [ Admiralty Island, Baranof Island, and Chichagof Island] part of the Alexander Archipelago. These brown bears are unique because they share mitochondrial DNA with polar bears. They are more closely related to the polar bear than other brown bears.

Next time you are in Sitka, be sure to visit the Fortress of the Bear and learn more about this great organization.

You can find more information at https://www.fortressofthebear.org/